In a significant development in the ongoing legal saga, John Laurinaitis, a co-defendant in the high-profile lawsuit against former WWE executive Vince McMahon, has agreed to cooperate with the plaintiff, Janel Grant. The lawsuit alleges sexual abuse and sex trafficking by McMahon.
A court filing submitted on Wednesday to the U.S. District Court in Connecticut confirmed that both parties agreed to dismiss Laurinaitis from the lawsuit with prejudice, preventing any future refiling.
“John Laurinaitis has consented to cooperate and provide evidence in Janel Grant’s ongoing lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE,” their representatives conveyed in an obtained statement by NBC News.
“This confidential settlement marks a key progression towards holding McMahon and WWE accountable, and ensuring justice for Ms. Grant following her experiences of sexual abuse and trafficking,” the statement continued.
“Mr. Laurinaitis is keen to move on with his life, and further details are not available at this juncture,” they added.
The agreement follows three weeks after Grant submitted an amended civil complaint that named Laurinaitis, McMahon, and WWE as defendants.
McMahon stepped down as executive chairman of TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of WWE, in January 2024 shortly after Grant initiated her lawsuit.
In January 2025, McMahon resolved administrative charges from the Securities and Exchange Commission, which accused him of breaching federal securities laws. He had reportedly failed to inform WWE’s board about non-disclosure agreements he signed worth $10.5 million with two women to cover up allegations of sexual misconduct. As part of the settlement, McMahon paid a $400,000 civil penalty and agreed to reimburse WWE $1.3 million, following an order confirming he violated securities law.
Linda McMahon, Vince’s wife and former WWE executive, is currently serving as secretary of the U.S. Education Department under President Donald Trump, a close associate of the couple.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
